Paper at the European Distance and e-Learning Network (EDEN) Conference, Barcelona, 9th June.

1. What to do about MOOCs?
Beyond the Fear of Missing Out
9-12 June 2015, Barcelona
Mark Brown, Eamon Costello, Enda Donlon,
Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl, & Colette Kirwan
National Institute for Digital Learning
Dublin City University

2. Gap in the Literature
Why this paper?

3. What are our main drivers?
• Extending Access
• Fostering Culture of Innovation
• Promoting Curriculum Renewal
• Extending Access
• Fostering Culture of Innovation
• Promoting Curriculum Renewal
1st
• Establishing International Brand
• Showcasing World-class Programs
• Building New Partnerships and
International Reputation as a Top
Young University
• Establishing International Brand
• Showcasing World-class Programs
• Building New Partnerships and
International Reputation as a Top
Young University
2nd
• Assisting Prospective Students in
their Course Selection
• Promoting Online Readiness,
Academic Capital and Student
Success
• Assisting Prospective Students in
their Course Selection
• Promoting Online Readiness,
Academic Capital and Student
Success
3rd
4th
• Promoting an Open Philosophy
• Supporting Research on New
Models of Teaching and Learning
• Shaping Direction of Future
Developments in Higher Education
• Promoting an Open Philosophy
• Supporting Research on New
Models of Teaching and Learning
• Shaping Direction of Future
Developments in Higher Education

4. Key
Questions
Future
Learn
Open
2Study
Open
UpEd
Open
EdX
Moodle Udemy
How technically fit for
purpose is the platform? (3 x 3)
= 9
(3 x 3)
= 9
(0 x 3)
= 0
(3 x 3)
= 9
(2 x 3)
= 6
(1 x 3)
= 3
How pedagogically fit for
purpose is the platform? (3 x 3)
= 9
(3 x 3)
= 9
(1 x 3)
= 3
(3 x 3)
= 9
(3 x 3)
= 6
(1 x 3)
= 3
How confident are you in the
sustainability of the platform? (2 x 2)
= 4
(1 x 2)
= 2
(1 x 2)
= 2
(1 x 2)
= 2
(1 x 2)
= 2
(1 x 2)
= 2
How reputable are the
partners associated with the
platform?
(3 x 3)
= 9
(2 x 3)
= 6
(2 x 3)
= 6
(3 x 3)
= 9
(1 x 3)
= 3
(0 x 3)
= 0
How strong is the
pedagogical community
supporting innovation
through the platform?
(3 x 3)
= 9
(1 x 3)
= 2
(2 x 3)
= 6
(2 x 3)
= 6
(2 x 3)
= 6
(0 x 3)
= 0
What are the options?
“MOOCs
should be in the service
of big ideas, not as
a big idea in
itself”